Silver Dollars and Wooden Nickels: Dini served state well for decades

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The Nevada Appeal’s Silver Dollars and Wooden Nickels feature recognizes achievements from the capital region and, then warranted, points out other acts that missed the mark.

SILVER DOLLAR: Dayton High School’s S Club again this year sponsored Cinderella’s Closet, in which teens are collecting formal dresses and gift certificates to ensure students without means can afford to attend the prom May 3. Both the teens and donors deserve kudos; if you’d like to donate, drop off clothes at Dayton High School or Community Treasures Gift Shop, 80 Shady Lane.

SILVER DOLLAR: Voters in District 38, based in Lyon County, elected Assemblyman Joe Dini a staggering 18 times. His colleagues named him Assembly speaker a record eight times — a track record that earned him the title “speaker emeritus” and lifetime use of the “State Assemblyman 1” license plate. Lawmakers lined up Thursday to praise Dini, who passed away that day at age 85. We join them in expressing gratitude for his legacy of service to our state.

SILVER DOLLAR: Speaking of public service, Bernie Curtis retires Monday after a nearly 50-year career in law enforcement. The outgoing chief of the Parole and Probation Division was honored by more than 75 friends and colleagues at a retirement party Wednesday at the state Capitol. Curtis’ face is a familiar one in both Carson City and Carson Valley; he was undersheriff in Douglas County for more than 20 years and also was assistant sheriff in Carson City. We wish him a happy and fruitful retirement.